How to Choose the Best Bunk Beds for Teens

Bunk and loft beds can add fun and functionality to children's rooms. They can also help to save space.

Choose bunks that are designed to be flexible, such as drawers for storage at the bottom and a trundle bed that's easy to remove and stacked twins that can be divided into two separate beds. Also, consider the weight of the top bunk.

Size

When choosing bunk beds for your children, you'll want to consider the size, style and security. Take a look at the ceiling's height to make sure the bunks are able to fit in your space. Make sure there's enough space for kids to maneuver around them. The beds should be spaced far enough apart so that kids can safely move up and down and not hit each other or the walls. You'll also want to check whether the top bunk bed can be able to support a mattress of the same size as that of the bottom one. This will allow you to avoid the need for an additional bed or trundle in the near future.

You could also choose a different shape for your bunk that is suited to your space. For example an L-shaped bunk might be perfect for a small bedroom or even a guest room that is shared. It can help save the floor space and can accommodate a twin-over-full or queen-sized mattress on both upper and lower levels depending on the model you pick.

Many of the best bunk beds for teens will be adapted to your children's needs and can be converted into two separate beds when it's time to transition into a regular double bed. For instance the Storkcraft Solid Wood Ladder Twin Bunk Bed is an elegant farmhouse-inspired design with the curved headboards and the wagon-themed guardrails along the top bunk. It's made of knot-free New Zealand Pine and has a built-in stationary ladder that connects the lower and upper bunk beds. This creates more space for kids to play.

Another option is a loft bed, which optimizes corner spaces in tween rooms. It's great for small spaces as it occupies less vertical space and lets you make use of the lower levels for desks, storage cabinets or dressers. It's also a great choice for older children since it doesn't require you to climb an elevator or ladder and makes it more accessible to larger children as well as adults.

Check the height of any bunk bed in your child's bedroom with blue painter tape. This will give you a feel of whether it is easily climbed into and out of at night without bumping heads or hitting the bottom of the window sill or hanging curtains. In addition, you should ensure your family's safety is on your mind by reviewing the Consumer Product Safety Commission's rules for bunk beds. They define standards for guardrails as well as other features that prevent the chance of entrapment and falls.

Safety

Bunk beds are a great choice for families with kids of all ages, however, it's important to consider the safety features when shopping. You'll need a bunk bed with guardrails that are high enough to keep children from falling over or getting trapped, and a mattress which doesn't raise up the mattress too much. Be sure to pay attention to the weight capacity, since some bunks have lower limits than others.

Visit the website of the manufacturer to find out the specifications available for mattress sizes and weight limitations. The majority of manufacturers will offer guidelines for the maximum thickness of the top bunk mattress. They'll also give the maximum weight capacity of the top bunk bed as well as the bunk.

The best bunk beds are sturdy constructed and the ladder or stairs must be attached to the frame securely and have side handles for security. Avoid bunk beds with slatted side panels, as they're dangerous for children to climb on, especially if they're poorly fitted together. If your children enjoy playing on the ground, go for a bunk with a low-slung bottom to allow them to sit and play without being too high off the ground.

If you have a limited space or do not want to take up the entire space of your kid's bedroom, choose an L-shaped bunk bed. They are smaller in size and are usually only as wide as one single bed. This makes them ideal for small rooms with low ceilings. They're also more suitable for younger kids, who may be intimidated by a bunk that is higher.

If you have a little more room, go for a full-over-full-size bunk bed. They are generally the safest and most elegant bunk beds available on the market and can be used as twin or full size beds. Pottery Barn Kids' Belden is a stylish solid and sturdy option that will grow with children as they grow older and accommodates trundle mattress (sold separately) for older teens and adults. It's Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. It's also made from sustainably sourced Baltic Birch wood. Additionally, it is available in a variety of color options.

Style

A good bunk bed can make teens happy regardless of whether it's in the shared bedroom or for just one child. Some designs are minimalist and sleek, while others feature more fun elements. Bunk beds also come in different sizes, from twin-over-twin to full-over-full, and even queen. The twin-over-full design is popular with tweens, as it allows them to sleep two kids in the same space while leaving enough space for a desk, dresser, or drawers for storage in the lower part. There are some options with trundle beds which allow the upper level to accommodate an additional mattress for sleepovers.

Tweens also love an over-king twin loft bed, which takes up less floor space and gives them more space to sprawl out or work from home, according to Fenton. Metal bunk beds with a full-length guardrail is a popular option for older children because it's "built to last, and it's the most sturdy adult-sized bunk," she adds.

For a really cool bunk, you should consider an T-shaped or l-shaped design that's essentially an elevated platform bed. These beds have the ladder on the end that gives it a more sleek look and allows more room for a dresser or desk beneath. They're not as efficient at saving space as a traditional bunk but they're an attractive option for teens that gives them more room to move around in their rooms.

You should consider a futon bunk if you're looking for a bunk bed that is affordable and offers security and comfort. Futons are lightweight and portable and can be moved around if you're looking to revamp your child's space in the future. However they're not as sturdy like a metal or wood bunk bed and don't have guardrails on the top bed.

Bunks that have ladders or stairs are also available. Ladders are more efficient and less space-consuming to climb. Stairs, on the other hand, could be used as a seating area for children younger than. Some models can even be able to convert into a chair and desk which allows your child to create the perfect bedroom space for play and study.

Budget

A bunk bed is an expensive purchase, so it's essential to take into consideration your budget when shopping. There are a variety of affordable options available, but if you want a bunk bed to endure through your teens and even into adulthood, it's worth paying more for a high-quality product that can be used indefinitely.

Before you begin shopping, consider who will be sleeping on the bunk bed, and what their sleeping needs could be. A twin-overtwin configuration works well for siblings sharing a bedroom, while the full-over-full bunk is a great option for adults looking to save space or reduce the cost of a separate queen-sized mattress. It is also important to determine the amount of headroom you'd like between the bottom and top bunks. If kids are still sleeping in toddler beds bunk beds, for instance it could be beneficial to go with a lower-to ground configuration.

The best bunk bed for Teens (Dndnext.altervista.org) is one that is affordable and one that is able to expand with them. Select a style that can work well in traditional and modern rooms. Choose the Oeuf Perch Bunk Bed, an Editors' Choice for the Spruce. It can be split into two twin beds if required. This design features a contemporary sleek, clean lines with boucle-upholstered guardrails, boucle upholstered railings and a stationary, easy-to-climb ladder. It is also Greenguard Gold and fair trade certified for its environmental and social responsibility.

A bunk bed with built-in storage is an additional way to save money. It could be drawers underneath the bed, or shelves below the top. This will help you keep your bedroom tidy and clutter-free. It's also a good option for those with a smaller room. A majority of the bunks on our list come with this feature, and some have additional storage accessories available, such as an bookcase headboard for the upper bunk, and a desk for the bottom.